Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Commissions 181 Community Health Extension Workers in Maracha District

Maracha, Uganda – April 16, 2025

Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, Uganda's Minister of Health, today officially commissioned 181 Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) in Maracha District following the successful completion of a six-month training program last year.

Presiding over the ceremony, Dr. Aceng lauded the CHEWs for their dedication and emphasized the critical role they play in strengthening Uganda’s primary healthcare system. She noted that, like Village Health Teams (VHTs), CHEWs serve as vital links between communities and formal health services, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

“These Community Health Extension Workers are the bridge that brings healthcare closer to our people,” said Dr. Aceng. “With the tools and training they’ve received, they will play a significant role in disease prevention, health education, and early diagnosis of simple illnesses within our communities.”

The newly commissioned CHEWs have been equipped with various essential tools, including data transmission devices for real-time health reporting, kits for diagnosing common ailments, and transportation logistics to facilitate mobility in remote areas.

The introduction of CHEWs is part of the Ministry’s broader strategy to enhance community-based health service delivery, reduce the burden on health centers, and improve health outcomes at the grassroots level.

District leaders and health officials who attended the event praised the initiative as a timely intervention that will boost health service access and community awareness.

The Ministry of Health continues to prioritize community health interventions as a cornerstone of Uganda’s public health agenda.